Device and a system for using a rotary brush to clean a surface

ABSTRACT

A rotary brush cleaning device including a wheel configured to rotate in a direction based on a direction the rotary brush cleaning device is propelled, a brush element configured to rotate in an opposite direction of the wheel when the rotary brush cleaning device is propelled, a cover configured to enclose a top part of the wheel and the brush element, and a handle that is configured to provide a location for a user to propel the rotary brush cleaning device. A rotary brush cleaning system is also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit from and is based on U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/886,160 filed Jan. 23, 2007, the entirety of which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a cleaning apparatus and, more specifically toa rotary brush cleaning device and a rotary brush cleaning system thatmay function when submerged in water and/or on a dry surface.

The use of cleaning devices are well known in the prior art. Forexample, brush cleaning devices are known in the art. Most brushcleaning devices employ a brush element that also functions as a wheeldevice to assist with moving the brush cleaning device. Such brushelements though rotate in the direction that the brush cleaning deviceis propelled. For example, if the brush cleaning device is propelled ina forward direction away from a user, the brush element/wheel wouldrotate in a counter-clockwise direction.

Though conventional brush cleaning devices may have a brush/wheelelement that rotates in a direction naturally determined by a directionthe brush cleaning device is propelled, there are uses for such deviceswhere users would benefit from where the brush element rotates in anopposite direction. Such uses may provide for debris freed by the brushelement to then be more effectively captured for removal from an areabeing cleaned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A rotary brush cleaning device and a rotary brush cleaning system thatmay function when submerged in water and/or on a dry surface isdisclosed. The rotary brush cleaning device includes a wheel configuredto rotate in a direction based on a direction the device is propelled. Abrush element is configured to rotate in an opposite direction of thewheel when the rotary brush cleaning device is propelled. A cover isconfigured to enclose a top part of the wheel and the brush element. Ahandle is configured to provide a location for a user to propel therotary brush cleaning device.

In another exemplary embodiment the rotary brush cleaning systemincludes a rotary brush device. The rotary brush device includes a wheelconfigured to rotate in a direction based on a direction the rotarybrush device is propelled, a brush element configured to rotate in anopposite direction of the wheel when the rotary brush device ispropelled, a cover that encloses a top part of the wheel and the brushelement, a vacuum connection element formed therethrough the cover, anda handle that is configured to provide a location for a user to propelthe rotary brush device. A vacuum generating device is configured toconnect to the vacuum connection element. A pole is configured toconnect to the handle. The vacuum generating device is connected to thevacuum connection element through at least one of the pole and through avacuum hose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of an exemplary embodiment of theinvention briefly described above will be rendered by reference tospecific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered tobe limiting of its scope, exemplary embodiments of the invention will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 discloses a perspective view of an exemplary illustration of arotary brush cleaning device;

FIG. 2 discloses a side view of an exemplary illustration of the rotarybrush cleaning device;

FIG. 3 discloses a side view of an exemplary illustration of the rotarybrush cleaning device with the handle in an opposite direction;

FIG. 4 discloses an exemplary illustration of the elements under thecover;

FIG. 5 discloses a side view of an exemplary illustration of the rotarybrush cleaning device with a vacuum connection element; and

FIG. 6 discloses an exemplary illustration of the rotary brush cleaningsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the figures, exemplary embodiments of the inventionwill now be described. The scope of the invention disclosed isapplicable to a plurality of uses. Thus, even though embodiments aredescribed specifically to uses in swimming pools, embodiments of thepresent invention are applicable to other uses or applications where asurface is being cleaned. For example, though a rotary brush cleaningdevice is described below primarily with respect to cleaning a swimmingpool, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the brushsystem may be used to clean other surfaces as well. For example, thebrush system may be used on a deck, patio, garaged, in a house, to cleana fence, other large containers holding water (or any other liquid),etc.

FIG. 1 discloses a perspective view of a rotary brush cleaning device.As illustrated, the rotary brush cleaning device 10 has a handle 12 anda cover 14. The cover 14 may have a plurality of configurations. Thecurrent illustration of the cover 14 is of a configuration for use whenthe rotary brush cleaning device 10 is used to clean sides, including abottom, of a swimming pool, where algae may have grown, or where otherdebris is present. The configuration of the cover 14 illustrated isprovided so that as the rotary brush cleaning device 10 is propelledthrough the water, in either a forward or a backward direction, thewater pressure naturally applied to the cover 14 causes the rotary brushcleaning device 10 to be pressed against the swimming pool surface.Those skilled in the art will readily recognize other configurationsthat the cover 14 may have so that the rotary brush cleaning device 10is pressed against the swimming pool surface. For example, the cover 14may be configured so that the rotary brush cleaning device 10 is onlypressed against the swimming pool surface when propelled in a firstdirection, such as but not limited to the forward direction. When thenpropelled in a second, such as but not limited to the backwarddirection, the configuration of the cover 14 does not result in thewater pressing the rotary brush cleaning device 10 against the surfaceof the swimming pool.

As disclosed above the handle 12, or a device where a user may propelthe rotary brush cleaning device 10, is provided. The handle 12 has aconnection part 16 and an extension part 18. In an exemplary embodiment,the handle 12 is detachable from the rotary brush cleaning device 10.The handle 12 may be attached to the cover 14, a first attachmentlocation 20, or another (second) attachment location on the rotary brushcleaning device 10 by way of the connection part 16. In an exemplaryembodiment the connection part 16 has a first leg 22 and a second leg 24that extend to opposite sides of the rotary brush cleaning device 10.Connection elements, such as but not limited to detents are providedthat insert within an opening at the attachment location 20. In anotherexemplary embodiment, detents extend from the attachment location 20 andopenings are provided in the legs 22, 24, through which the detents areinserted. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that aplurality of ways is available for connecting the handle 12 to the restof the rotary brush cleaning device 10. As further illustrated in FIG.1, the attachment location 20 is a rod that extends between a wheel 30and a rotary brush element, on each side of the rotary brush cleaningdevice 10.

The extension part 18 of the handle 12 is configured for a pole 60, asillustrated in FIG. 6, to be attached to the handle 12. In anotherexemplary embodiment, not shown, the extension part 18 may have apermanent pole that extends from it. The handle 12 may be configured toattach and function as a handle for other pool cleaning devices that arealso used for maintaining a swimming pool. Specifically the distancebetween a legs 22, 24 of the connection part 16, are of a distance thatallow the handle 12 to attach to another pool cleaning devices wheresuch devices requires a handle so that a user may use these otherdevices.

FIG. 2 discloses a side view of the rotary brush cleaning device. Withrespect to the wheel 30 disclosed above in an exemplary embodiment aplurality of wheels, such as but not limited to two, extend from a firstside of the rotary brush cleaning device 10 to a second side of therotary brush cleaning device, and which is further illustrated in FIG.4. In another exemplary embodiment, a single wheel 30 is provided thateither extends the complete distance between both sides of the rotarybrush cleaning device 10 or extends part of the distance between bothsides. Connected to the wheel 30 by way of a gear system 35, furtherillustrated in FIG. 4, is a brush element 32. The brush element 32extends between the two sides of the rotary brush cleaning device 10.The brush element 32 may also have a plurality of configurations. Forexample, the brush element 32 may have a plurality of surfaces, such asbut not limited to bristles. Bristles may be configured in a pluralityof configurations. Furthermore, though the brush element 32 isillustrated as extending between both sides of the rotary brush cleaningdevice 10, a plurality of shorter brush elements 32 may be used or ashortened brush element 32 may be used that does not extend completelybetween the two sides.

With respect to the handle 12, a stopper element 40 is further disclosedin FIG. 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle 12 is rotatable aboutits connection to the rest of the rotary brush cleaning device 10.Therefore, instead of the wheel 30 being positioned behind the brushelement 32 as the rotary brush cleaning device 10 is propelled, thewheel 30 can be in front of the brush element 32 as well, as illustratedin FIG. 3. The stopper element 40 is utilized to prevent the handle 12from rotating too far in a direction where the stopper element 40 islocated. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that thestopper element 40 may prevent the handle 12 from being rotated too farin either direction that the handle 12 may rotate.

FIG. 4 discloses the elements under the cover. In the embodimentillustrated, two wheels 30 are provided at both sides of the rotarybrush cleaning device 10. The brush element 32 also extends between bothsides. The attachment location 20 is further disclosed. Though theattachment location 20 is a rod that extends between the wheel 30 andthe brush element 32, with a detent 21 extending from the attachmentlocation 20, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that otherconfigurations for the attachment location 20 are possible.

The gear system 35 is further illustrated. A first gear 45 rotates basedon movement of the wheels 30. A second gear 47 rotates the brush element32 in response to the rotation of the first gear 45. As the first gear45 rotates in a given direction, such as a counter-clockwise direction,the second gear 47 rotates in a second direction, such as a clockwisedirection. Though the gear system 35 disclosed is a mechanical gearsystem, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that anelectrical system may be used to rotate the brush element 32 in anopposite direction of the movement of the wheel 30. When the rotarybrush cleaning device 10 is used in water, the electrical system isenclosed in a water-proof casing or enclosure.

FIG. 5 discloses a side view of the rotary brush cleaning device with avacuum connection element. As illustrated the vacuum connection element50 is extends from the cover 14. A vacuum hose 52 is attachable to thevacuum connection element 50. In operation, such as with respect to aswimming pool and removing algae, as the brush element 32 frees thealgae from the pool walls, the continual rotation of the brush element32 will cause the water current to flow into the area between the brushelement 32 and the cover 14. A vacuum device 54, connected to the vacuumconnection element 50 by way of the vacuum hose 52, can then suck up thealgae. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the vacuumconnection element 50 may be placed at a plurality of locations on thecover.

In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the vacuumhose 52 is part of the pole 60 that connects to the handle 12. In otherwords instead of using the handle 12 as described above, the handle 12may have a hollow opening therethrough the handle 12. A mini hose 62,generally a flexible hose that extends from the handle 12 to the vacuumconnection element 50. The mini hose 62 is configured to ensureconnection between the handle 12 and the vacuum connection element 50 sothat a vacuum continues to exist even as the handle 12 is rotated. Thepole 60 that may attach to the handle 12 has a vacuum hose 52 or anothervacuum device 54 attached at a distance end away from the rotary brushcleaning device 10. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize thatother ways are possible for connecting the vacuum device 54 through thehandle 12 to the rotary brush cleaning device 10. For example, thehandle attachment 18 may extend directly into the cover 14 where thecover 14 includes a slot 65 which the pole 60, or mini hose 62, may movewithin as the handle 12 is rotated. A sealing element 66, such as aflexible seal, may be provided to close off the part of the slot 65where the handle 12 is not currently occupying.

While exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described withreference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes, omissions and/or additions maybe made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated forcarrying out this invention, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover,unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. donot denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second,etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

1. A rotary brush cleaning device comprising: a wheel configured torotate in a direction based on a direction the rotary brush cleaningdevice is propelled; a brush element configured to rotate in an oppositedirection of the wheel when the rotary brush cleaning device ispropelled; a cover configured to enclose a top part of the wheel and thebrush element; and a handle that is configured to provide a location fora user to propel the rotary brush cleaning device.
 2. The rotary brushcleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a vacuumconnection element formed therethrough the cover configured to provide aconnection for a vacuum device.
 3. The rotary brush cleaning deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprises a gear system configured torotate the brush element in an opposite direction of the wheel when therotary brush cleaning device is propelled.
 4. The rotary brush cleaningdevice according to claim 1, wherein the handle is detachable from therotary brush cleaning device and is attachable to another cleaningdevice.
 5. The rotary brush cleaning device according to claim 1,wherein the handle attached to the rotary brush cleaning device onopposite sides of the rotary brush cleaning device at an attachmentlocation.
 6. The rotary brush cleaning device according to claim 5,wherein the handle is rotatable about the attachment location.
 7. Therotary brush cleaning device according to claim 6, further comprising astopper element configured to prevent the handle from rotating beyond apredetermined location.
 8. The rotary brush cleaning device according toclaim 3, wherein the gear system is at least one of a mechanical gearsystem and an electrical gear system.
 9. The rotary brush cleaningdevice according to claim 1, further comprising a pole configured to atleast one of attach to and extend from the handle.
 10. The rotary brushcleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cover is furtherconfigured to provide an opening between the cover and at least one ofthe brush element and wheel so that debris may pass therebetween. 11.The rotary brush cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the coveris further configured to direct the rotary brush cleaning device toremain in contact with a surface when the rotary brush cleaning deviceis submerged in a liquid and is propelled.
 12. A rotary brush cleaningsystem, the system comprising: a rotary brush device including a wheelconfigured to rotate in a direction based on a direction the rotarybrush device is propelled, a brush element configured to rotate in anopposite direction of the wheel when the rotary brush device ispropelled, a cover that encloses a top part of the wheel and the brushelement, a vacuum connection element formed therethrough the cover, anda handle that is configured to provide a location for a user to propelthe rotary brush device; a vacuum generating device configured toconnect to the vacuum connection element; a pole configured to connectto the handle; and wherein the vacuum generating device is connected tothe vacuum connection element through at least one of the pole andthrough a vacuum hose.
 13. The system according to claim 12, furthercomprises a mini-vacuum hose configured to extend between the handle andthe vacuum connection element.
 14. The system according to claim 12,wherein the cover is further configured to provide an opening betweenthe cover and at least one of the brush element and wheel so that debrismay pass therebetween.
 15. The system according to claim 12, wherein thecover is further configured to direct the rotary brush device to remainin contact with a surface when the rotary brush device is submerged in aliquid and is propelled.
 16. The system according to claim 12, furthercomprises a gear system configured to rotate the brush element in anopposite direction of the wheel when the rotary brush device ispropelled.
 17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the gear systemis at least one of a mechanical gear system and an electrical gearsystem.
 18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the electricalgear system is located within a water-proof enclosure.
 19. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the handle is rotatable about anattachment location on the rotary brush device.
 20. The system accordingto claim 1, further comprising a stopper element on the rotary brushdevice configured to prevent the handle from rotating beyond apredefined position.